C5 and The Food Studio - Hungry at the ROM
Posted by Sheryl Kirby in fusion, restaurant profile on July 22, 2007 at 2:37 pm
First of all, apologies to Royal Ontario Museum CEO William Thorsell, architect Daniel Libeskind and Michael Lee-Chin whose name is on the place, but I just can’t bring myself to like the new Crystal addition. I’m one of those silly people who really like old buildings, and standing both outside and inside the lobby of the addition, I get an odd sense of uneasiness and vertigo, and feel very much like I’m in some sort of 1960s spy movie. I kept expecting Bond villain Ernst Blofeld and that cat to come strolling around a corner.
Maybe it’s just the close proximity to food, but the only part of the Crystal where I actually feel comfortable is in the restaurants. The angles of the Crystal 5 (C5) Restaurant Lounge feel lofty and inspirational, with awe-inspiring views of the downtown skyline and Philosopher’s Walk, as well as a roof garden that is currently being built. This is where all the angles and glass really work – and the space is modern but with an air of history about it as well. The soaring ceiling and low white furniture by Toronto design team II by IV (the space seats 120) create an uninterrupted view of the nearby UofT rooftops, or for those more interested in food than treetops, of Chef Ted Corrado’s partially open kitchen.
Corrado has been in the industry for over ten years, and can list some of Toronto’s top restaurants such as rain, George and Luce on his resume. With signature dishes that include Quebec squab and Hokkaido scallop salad, Chef Corrado takes inspiration from local markets and Toronto’s multicultural mix, and focuses on fresh Ontario ingredients whenever possible.
The menu changes daily, so while the delightful bits we got to try at a recent media preview reflected the menu that day, the smoky gazpacho, tangy ceviche or fois gras paired with chocolate might not be available the next time we visit. With all bread, charcuterie, pasta and desserts made in house, the quality of whatever is available is sure to be outstanding.
C5 offers lunch daily, with the average entrée running about $25. Dinner is on offer from Thursday to Saturday with entrées in the $28 range. Desserts are $11 and cocktails average at around $12.
For more casual fare, The Food Studio a few floors down is also open to the public (admission to the ROM is not required to visit either restaurant). Dedicated to an environmentally-friendly mandate, the Food Studio provides biodegradable containers and plates and sources organic seasonal produce from local producers whenever possible. Under the direction of Chef Lauren Boyington, the Food Studio whips up pizzas, pasta and sandwiches as well as dishes inspired by current ROM exhibitions.
Situated at ground level with a picturesque view of Philosopher’s Walk, The Food Studio seats 350 guests, and is a bright airy space, with artistically arranged displays of fruit, cookies and of course, the many menu items. The Food Studio is open daily from 11am.
So while I might not be a fan of the whole concept of the Crystal, I am definitely a fan of C5, and can happily imagine lunch on a crisp fall day with a view of the changing leaves and three courses of whatever gorgeously splendid dishes Chef Corrado is offering.
That’s if I can make it through the lobby without getting caught by Blofeld and his cat.
Reservations can be made at C5 by calling 416-586-7928. The Food Studio can be reached at 416-586-7926.
July 22nd, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Some of us (maybe just me) like the sound of clicking souls on a tiled floor and the chill of being in a sterile, unwelcoming super-villain’s lair.
July 23rd, 2007 at 9:40 am
So I had dinner at c5 on saturday, and it was wonderful. Just in the process of setting up the photos go online. I’m not a fan of the crystal either, and C5 was a bit too sterile in look for me, but it did grow on me throughout the 3-4 hours that we were there (dining and at the bar)
July 24th, 2007 at 9:50 am
We were at the ROM and dined at C5 Friday night. The experience was fantastic. We were greeted by Hostesses that actually wore a smile that was genuine, served by staff that actually knew details in regards to the menu and presentation and volunteered information graciously. The noise level is present but very unobtrusive as you want a little buzz around when you dining. What do you rather have a full restaurant, busy and buzzing or be a lonely dinner with an empty restaurant? An amazing place with great views and first class service.
July 26th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Toronto is made up of two kinds of people: those who love the Crystal and those who do it. I am of the former category. I blogged about it endlessly when it opened, and I do recall, became slightly obsessed with it, purchased a ROM membership and spent half a day wandering through its vertigo-inducing space. Thankfully, I am past my obsession now, but am still very enamoured of it. It’s like a postmodern Faberge egg on the ugliness that is Bloor Street. Perhaps a wander through its uppermost floor, or a bird’s eye view of the creature might change your opinion?
July 26th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
I meant do not.
July 26th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Hey Kulsum,
Sorry, can’t do it. I like the C5 space very much, but the exterior still irks me. I would dislike it less if it had been the originally-planned glass (still wouldn’t love it, but wouldn’t quite hate it), but with the siding, it just looks like the aftermath of a tornado hitting a mobile home park and piling all the trailers in a heap.
I’ve also heard from people who work at the ROM that it’s a very difficult space to work in, and one of my greatest peeves about egotistical architecture is when form takes priority over function.
I’ll give you the fact that that stretch of Bloor isn’t particularly pretty, but the museum building itself was quite lovely and I really feel it’s marred by the jumble of glass and siding.